6 tips for talking to your daughter about her period

We all know that periods are completely natural and a normal part of everyday life, however studies have ￼shown that the subject is viewed rather differently by some. ￼

According a study of 1,000 British women run by ActionAid, 54% of girls and women aged between 16-24 shy away from discussing their period. ￼

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￼So how can we make steps to dispel taboos and encourage girls not to feel embarrassed about these important ￼bodily changes? Here are five tips on how to speak to your daughter about these issues and prepare her for her period:

1. Relax

A lot of parents can find talking about periods with their daughter uncomfortable, and it really needn't be. The more you speak openly and in a relaxed manner, the less intimidated your daughter is likely to feel and the better chance you have of having an open, honest conversation. It's totally normal and natural after all, and it's important that this comes across. If you feel embarrassed, it's like that she will too.

Getty ImagesCompassionate Eye Foundation/Rob Daly/OJO Images Ltd

We spoke to sexual health expert and Jo Divine founder Samantha Evans to ask her top tips on opening up the period conversation with her daughter, now aged 17:

"I've always had an open relationship with my daughter, 17, having been told nothing by my mum or big sister. Also, having a nursing background, enables me to offer more medical reasons and explanations, which she likes and understands.

"We sat down, when she was around 8, and had a chat about babies as she had heard something at school. I explained in simple terms about periods, why they happen, they happen once a month but may not happen until she was older - she was 13, just like me. Intially she had mood swings so we talked about why they were happening too as she didn't know why she felt like that.

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"We also talked about sanitary pads and tampons, how to use them, when to change them, etc. We even went shopping for them. She doesn't use tampons having tried them but not successfully, only pads, but had learnt to avoid scented products as these cause vulval irritation. She is well aware of vagina health and avoids douching, only washing with water. She has a cuddle with me or her dad when in pain (she suffers from painful periods) and she uses a hottie and takes a painkiller.

"According to new research by the Eve Appeal, 93% of daughters say parents never discussed 'women's issues' with them and 84% said their parents never discussed the female sexual anatomy. 1 in 7 mothers said they do not feel it is their role or duty to educate their daughter about gynaecological health. We need to make our daughters aware that there is nothing shameful or bad about periods, that they are a normal part of our lives we have to live with is important."

2. Avoid one big chat

Try and introduce them to the topic of periods and hormones casually through everyday life where possible, in order to avoid the daunting, sit-down 'chat', which can be overwhelming. This can place too much importance on something that's totally normal and natural. If they're asking questions at a young age, answer them as honestly and frankly as you can – this will help to reduce the stigma of talking about periods from a young age and encourage them to be more body confident.

3. Know your stuff

It's important you have the right information so that you can relay it to your daughter as best you can. Brush up on the little details that may have become a little hazy over time, such as the length of time you can leave a tampon in and the risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome. It's a good idea to suggest a range of different sanitary products too, so she feels she has some control in the situation and can decide what works best for her and her body.

4. Be positive

Avoid using euphemisms and phrases to describe your period as some women so often do – avoid negative language and talk about menstruation in a positive way. Perhaps mention this signals the start of her becoming a woman, and the reason we have a cycle is so that we can have babies, which is a wonderful thing.

5. Support is key

Starting your period can be a daunting experience for girls, and there's no doubt your daughter will have lots of questions about the changes her body is going through. Although you are always there to offer advice, there are lots of other resources out there that she can turn to if she has a question. If she feels particularly shy or wants extra information, why not suggest she looks at sites like betty.me that offer a whole range of advice for teen girls, from personal hygiene and periods, to friendships at school.

Getty ImagesGustaf Brundin

6. Try a subscription box

A couple of companies are now offering period subscription boxes, while The Pink Parcel is perfect for women aged 18+. The Betty Box could be the perfect antidote for younger girls who are new to getting a period, as it comes with sweet treats, beauty gifts and sanitary products tailored to your daughter's needs.

The first six months of getting a period can be uncomfortable and confusing, with fluctuating hormones and bodily changes. These boxes could be a small treat to ease period pain - or even a conversation starter for you to bring up chats about women's health.

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